Victoria has an outstanding diversity of marine habitats along an accessible and relatively short section of coast, providing many opportunities for divers and snorkellers. The State's coastal waters are home to over 12,000 species of plants and animals, from spectacular algae communities and colourful invertebrates to large mammals such as seals and whales.

Many of Victoria's marine animals and plants are found nowhere else apart from southern Australia and a significant number of species are only found in the state's 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries.

To read about snorkelling in a specific park choose the park page from the list above.

These are some popular locations:

• Southern end of Port Phillip Bay
  This internationally recognised dive area is easily accessible from melbourne, Geelong and the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. In the bay there is spectacular wall diving and challenging drift dives for the experienced. At Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean, beginner snorkellers can experience Victoria's underwater life with ease.
• Merri Marine Sanctuary
  Virtually all of this sanctuary, located off the coast of Warnambool, is accessible to divers. Enjoy exploring caves, crevices and diverse habitats supporting a range of interesting species - kelps sway with the waves, colourful sponges cover the overhangs, and rock lobsters hide in the crevices.
• Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park
  The granite boulders of 'the Prom' create a world of underwater wonders for experienced scuba divers. There is spectacular wall and cave diving among a sea of colourful sponges and other invertebrates, as well as a multitude of fish.
• Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
  This 115ha sanctuary is located off Beaumaris in Melbourne's southeast. The series of sandstone rock platforms extending from the shore creates a high diversity of marine habitats within a small area and provides snorkellers with fantastic opportunities for discovery.

Become more involved in the management of your local marine national park or marine sanctuary by joining the voluntary sea Search Program. for more information visit The People and Parks Foundation website at www.peopleandparks.org

More information is available on the parknote Victoria's Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries - Snorkelling and Diving